Today Belizean icon, Dr. Jane Ellen Usher who is also recognized as the longest running Chief Executive Officer in the country of Belize is celebrating her 100th birthday and today we look back at a few of her many contributions to our jewel over the past years. Dr. Usher was born on September 5th in the year 1917 as Jane Ellen Mary Price to parents William Cadle Price and Irene Cecelia Escalante.

She is one of eleven children and is also the sister of the Father of our Nation, Right Hon. George Cadle Price. Similar to her brother, Dr. Usher has touched the lives of many Belizeans as she dedicated her life to serving the people of Belize in various fields including politics, community affairs and union movement. During her career, Dr. Usher began working at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union as a clerk in 1944 where she then became the treasurer before being named as CEO of the company in 1956 at age 39.

As it relates to her political career, Dr. Usher served as the area representative for the Pickstock electoral division in Belize City for a period of ten years from 1979 to 1989. She was the Minister responsible for Health and Cooperatives in the People’s United Party Cabinet between 1979 and 1984, and then became a member of the Opposition in the House of Representatives between 1984 and 1989. Dr. Usher then served as the President of the Senate from 1989-1993.

In the year 1992 she was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II, Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and in 2000, she received the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Belize. In 2013, Dr. Usher was awarded with an honorary doctorate on behalf of Galen University. Help Age Belize later paid tribute to Dr. Usher through a gala hosted by the organizers… acknowledging her numerous accomplishments.